Jump directly to the content
RED ALERT

The two vehicles drivers over 70 will be BANNED from using if they don’t change licence – how to avoid being caught out

See the step by step process below
Happy senior woman driving car alone, enjoying the car ride. Safe driving for elderly adults, older driver safety. Driving license renewal at older age.

DRIVERS over the age of 70 will be banned from two vehicles if they don't change their licence - here's how to avoid being caught out.

A little-known DVLA policy means two entitlements will automatically vanish from the licenses of those over 70.

Side view of Caucasian man wearing casual clothing and reflective vest, looking straight ahead with one hand on steering wheel and other on gearshift.
2
One of the vehicles includes minibusesCredit: getty

When drivers reach 70, three things happen to their license.

Firstly, they must renew them.

Secondly, they must continue to renew them every three years.

Thirdly, they automatically lose their C1 or D1 entitlements.

read more in dvla

C1 allows users to drive medium-sized vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of between 3,500kg and 7,500kg.

While D1 entails users can drive minubuses with no more than 16 passenger seats.

They must be a maximum length of eight metres and have a trailer of up to 750kg.

However, there are measures over 70s can take to regain their entitlements.

HOW TO AVOID BEING CAUGHT OUT

The DVLA will send you two forms 56 days before your driving licence runs out.

This includes an "application for renewal of lorry and bus entitlement" (D47P) and a "medical examination report" form (D4).

I was arrested in my own driveway after an error left my driving license suspended - but the issues didn't stop there

It's free to renew or change a bus or lorry licence.

Next, complete form D47P.

Then, ask a doctor to fill out the medical examination report.

You can also get an optometrist or optician to fill out vision assessments.

As part of the application, elderly drivers must complete a D2 application form with a D4 medical examination report.

Charges may apply and processes differ in Northern Ireland.

Then, send the completed forms by post to the DVLA.

This change does not apply to renewing licence photos.

You can find out how to renew your licence, here.

Happy senior woman driving car alone, enjoying the car ride. Safe driving for elderly adults, older driver safety. Driving license renewal at older age.
2
Failure to renew C1 or D1 entitlements mean no more driving medium-sized vehicles or minibusesCredit: getty
Topics